medina
From the Arabic madina (city), the medina is the very quintessence of Marrakech.
This 'fully preserved historic town', as UNESCO terms it, is a World Heritage Site, containing myriad alleyways, old fondouks (inns), hammams and a vast number of souks. Follow the smells of cumin, mint tea and barley bread baking in communal ovens. Lose yourself amid the streams of Marrakchi merchants and shoppers.
Place Djemaa el Fna is a vast city square, which comes alive at dusk with storytellers, magicians, snake charmers, acrobats and dancers.
Other attractions include the 70m Koutoubia minaret and the luxurious 16th century El Badi Palace.